Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Blog by Ella Gustafsson

Introduction 

The chiming of the doorbell echoed through my head as I walked through the door and toward the wooden counter looming large in front of me. Behind the counter sat a woman with a welcoming smile and bright, excited eyes. I could feel my clammy hands and a slight tremble in them as I met her gaze and stuttered out a shy, “Is this where I can check in for my accommodation?” 

The brief paragraph you just read is a dramatic retelling of my first sentence in English uttered here at the University of Limerick. Having a conversation with the kind woman behind the Cappavilla Reception desk might not seem like that much of a feat. But for a nervous 20-year-old Erasmus+ student from Sweden, who had never spent more than three weeks abroad with friends or family, that encounter left my voice shaking.  

Before coming to Limerick and Ireland, I was terrified that my English would not be up to par – that I would not be able to get by without stuttering out half-assed sentences in ‘SWEnglish’ or that I would sit through lectures unable to comprehend a single word.  

I am happy to report that my anxious thoughts and fear of not being good enough were a complete waste of time.  

So, if you are scared about going abroad and speaking English 24/7, do not fret! Hopefully, this blog post can help calm some of your fears. 

My Experience 

Let no bones be made about the fact that throughout my life, I have received great English education through the Swedish school system. However, despite getting high marks in English, my personal tendency to doubt compliments and progress did not make the journey here any easier.  

To me, it did not matter if my home university or UL thought my English was good enough, or if my Swedish friends and family said I would be fine. My inner monologue simply would not let me trust my own abilities. There are so many other potholes on the road to finding your identity in a second language. Should I write in American or British English? Should I try to fake an accent? Should I throw in some Irish expressions here and there? 

The ‘what ifs’ sometimes got the better of me. During the application process to study abroad, I occasionally felt like backing out. What if I am not educated, talented, or good enough to get by in another country?  

The truth is, there is no ‘correct’ way to speak another language. Through trial and error, you will find a formula that works for you. And one of the greatest things about being a human surrounded by other humans, is that you can always ask for help!  

I have not spoken to a single Irish teacher or student who has been rude or unhelpful because of my English. Quite the opposite, in fact. Most native English speakers I have spoken to have been impressed by the bravery of us exchange students putting ourselves out in the world in such a vulnerable way. 

Because being dropped off in a new country by yourself does make you vulnerable, and it is scary. From time to time, you will likely question yourself and your decisions. But at the end of the day, I always find myself grateful that I dared to take this journey.  

The reality is, as long as you try your best, you are doing enough. It does not matter if I sometimes struggle to find the correct words or feel like I am not getting the most out of a sentence. Speaking in a second (or even third or fourth) language is an impressive feat in itself. And the best part of being an exchange student? You are surrounded by a bunch of people experiencing the same thing as you! 

Words cannot express how much I appreciate the other exchange students I have met during my first month here. From my Dutch and French housemates to the Danish girls I take Journalism classes with, and my American buddy through UL’s International Buddy Programme – meeting people from other countries and cultures has been a life-changing experience. We live in an age where we can be in contact with anyone, anywhere in the world, at all times, and that is something to cherish and treasure!  

What UL does 

Another thing worth mentioning is that UL has a range of brilliant support systems for International students.  

If you are considering studying abroad but have not reached the required level of English yet, the UL Language Centre offers an International Foundation Programme designed as an alternative route to undergraduate study for International students. 

The Language Centre also hosts General English courses year-round, summer-programmes, English-language preparation for university, and IELTS exam preparation. During your stay, you can also choose to join the General English classes or take modules like English as a Foreign language. Their website is full of helpful information for international students wanting to brush up on their English! 

Apart from the Language Centre, UL Global is another fantastic resource for international students. Asides from being available to help you with administrative things, the UL Global team also organises a bunch of events where you can connect with other international students and share experiences. As an international student you can also be part of the International Buddy Programme, where you get assigned a buddy to help you with settling down at UL!

Other academic support systems in place include the Science Learning Centre, Regional Writing Centre and Maths Learning Centre. The Glucksman Library also offers excellent academic services. 

UL also has a lot of personal support systems in place if you ever feel anxious, out of place, or just need someone to talk to. Examples of this are the Chaplaincy Service, Student Engagement and Support Officers and the Student Health Centre.  

Final reflection 

If you recognise yourself in the fears or self-doubts I have shared, I hope this blog post leaves you feeling slightly more confident in your English abilities. 

The message I want to hammer into your mind is: you are enough! Just being able to speak a second language is a massive achievement. Do not waste hours worrying about ‘what ifs’. You are good enough, and no one will care if you sometimes misunderstand a word or phrase. 

When your exchange studies in Ireland are over, you will be able to look back and see how much you have grown. I am only a month into my exchange studies, and I already feel more confident and capable when it comes to my English. 

When I think back on my first day at UL now, I reflect upon it with joy. Despite stuttering to the receptionist, I managed to get my point across, and now I am not nervous at all about asking the receptionist for help. I can still see myself and my Dutch roommate, Noor, standing in our shared kitchen upon our first meeting trying to figure out the names of all the kitchen utensils in English. And now? I am proud to say I know what a colander is. 

So please, jump into this adventure headfirst! Your English will only improve by studying abroad, and you will have an unforgettable experience along the way! 

Ella’s Tips and Tricks 

Revisit the Basics

When was the last time you studied the names of groceries or utensils in English? For me, it was over ten years ago. Before going abroad, revisit those basics – you will be using basic words and everyday expressions the most!

Familiarise Yourself with Irish Customs

Do you know what the Garda is? Or how to respond when someone greets you with “How are you?”? Familiarising yourself with Irish culture, customs and phrases can help you feel more at ease in the beginning and help you avoid awkward moments.

Utilise Your Assets

Your phone that you probably carry around with you everywhere is a fantastic resource! Don’t feel bad for using your phone to translate words, look up guides, tutorials or check your grammar. Just don’t use it to do your homework for you!

Consume English Content

Are you only watching movies or reading books translated to your first language? Then start consuming English content! In my opinion, one of the easiest ways to improve your English is to watch movies and read books and the news. You will pick up new words, phrases, and expressions that aren’t taught in school.